This voice disorder causes spasms in the muscles of your larynx (that's your voice box) as you speak. These spasms can cause your voice to sound tight, strained or breathy. You may have spasms so frequently that it's hard for others to understand what you're saying. Spasmodic dysphonia is a chronic condition. That means once you develop it, you have it for the rest of your life.
What causes this disorder? We think it's linked to a problem with one or more parts of the brain that control muscle movements. In some cases, this may stem from a genetic issue. It may run in families.
What are the symptoms? With spasmodic dysphonia, the spasms in your voice box cause your voice to break as you speak. Your voice can sound tight, strained or strangled. It can sound weak and breathy. The spasms can cut off words as you're trying to say them. This leaves your speech sounding choppy and hard to follow. There are a few types of spasmodic disorder, and your specific symptoms depend on the type you have. Spasmodic dysphonia can affect anyone, although it's more common in women. And symptoms usually begin between the ages of 30 and 50.
How do we treat it? There is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia, but we manage it with things like injections, voice therapy and assistive devices that help you communicate more easily. Some people benefit from surgery. Your doctor will create a plan that's right for you.